About Law Rocks

Law Rocks! is a charity fundraising event that raises money through rock concerts in the form of a battle of the bands between law firms and barristers chambers. Each band participating nominates a charity of their choice and through ticket sales and sponsorship they collectively raise money for the prize fund, which they battle out on stage at the 100 Club to win. The first event was in the summer of 2009, and as of November 2011 the events have raised more than £50,000 for various charities.

The idea came to me during the interval at a concert at the Royal Albert Hall when a good friend and client mentioned to me how much he would like to "play the venue". A conversation ensued, and he explained that he knew a number of people within the law who were keen musicians, attempting to carry on skills they had acquired in their formative years (whenever those were). From that brief conversation I set off on a journey to find these people and to see whether or not they were serious about their talent. Not only did I find them in abundance, they have proved to be musically brilliant! Law Rocks! is run entirely on the enthusiasm of all those involved who give me massive support who are, in no particular order;

The 100 Club; Jeff Horton has been helpful in the extreme, allowing us to use his iconic venue, and I am grateful for all the support he and Jenny Pierce give on a constant basis. Their support never wanes, and they are as impressed as the rest of us with the standard of the bands (bearing in mind they hear professional artists all year long!).

Oxford Image Company; Rick Shepherd donates his time, energy, and most importantly skills in photography to record all of the talent during their foray onto one of the world’s most famous stages. See the gallery section of the website for some examples of Rick’s work.

Pro-Kit; Jamie Powell is a great supporter of our cause and has long provided me with event shirts for many years. He outdoes himself time and again, generously providing the greatest t shirts for everyone attending Law Rocks!, and all without profit for himself.

Pink Express; Ray Miles-Kingston at Pink Express (himself no stranger to the rock world) has given me first class courier service, kindly donating staff and vehicles to ferry band equipment around carefully and considerately, leaving our star musicians only to worry about their performances!

3internet; Dan Orchard has crafted this brilliant website single handedly (along with www.constructionrocks.com and www.pensionsrocks.com), and all in his own time. Dan has constantly come up with great ideas and has been a great support from the start.

The Lawyer; Cat Griffiths and Matt Byrne have been of great assistance from the start, and I wouldn’t have the event I have now if it wasn’t for their encouraging cover of it. Matt has written some great pieces promoting Law Rocks! and more are planned. The humour with which Matt writes is very much in the ethos behind the event. Cat is the queen bee of judges on the night, with a penchant for jumping off the judges’ podium and to join the throngs.

Fender; What can I say? You know you have truly arrived when one of the most recognised brands in the music world wants to help you with additions to the prize fund for your charity event. I am very excited to have Fender involved, and Helen Varley, Fender’s head of marketing, has been beyond helpful and supportive.

Marshall Amplification; Another world class brand from the music world! Marshall very generously came on board for 2011, and will be supporting us for 3 years for which I am very grateful indeed. They are right behind this event, and being another world renowned name we are delighted to have their partnership! They are also giving us access to their products (which need no introduction) for the crowd to win at each event! Massive thanks go to Jim Marshall OBE, and Ellie and Jonathan Ellery.

John Henry’s; I was introduced to John Henry’s by Jeff Horton of the 100 Club, explaining that John Henry’s stage most of the biggest concerts in the world. Pepin Clout and the boss man himself, John Henry, have been overly generous, helpfully providing us with everything we’ve needed but didn’t know about to host Law Rocks! They have been indispensable.

Comperes and Judges; There are so many other people I need to thank for helping me make the idea a reality, not the least my colleagues in the Clerks team, my Chambers Administrator and members at Keating Chambers for supporting me in this adventure! Also, Mr. Justices Coulson and Ramsey have shared their time, effort, musical genius and most importantly sense of humour to ensure the events run without a hitch, along with Damian Hickman from IDRC. All three have been supportive in the extreme whilst perfecting their compering skills at the same time. On the judging front (along with Catrin and Chris above), I owe huge thanks to June Miles-Kingston (Everything But The Girl), Chris Johnstone (The Quireboys) in particular – a great job by all.

Without the bands, we wouldn’t have an event at all so huge thanks to them for their professionalism and enthusiasm. I should particularly thank the bands from the first ever Law Rocks! event in June 2009. Without exception they set the standard very high indeed and should all be proud of what they achieved on a night which was subsequently called "the best legal night out ever!" Particular thanks must go to Marcus, Mark, Spam, Tatts, John, Bob, David, the Pauls Paling and Smith, and Jonathan. If it wasn’t for them and their great support, you wouldn’t be reading this.

Finally, I should thank my wonderful family for their support and in particular my daughter Grace who at 14 single-handedly designed the Law Rocks! logo, and my late father Graham who made it look so easy to give back to charity and the community, and inspired me to turn an idea that I had into something that benefitted others.

Thanks for reading.

Yours, in rock,

Nick